Filter media for a drum filter

ABSTRACT

Filter media for a drum filter that includes a plurality of annular frame members, each annular frame member having a circumference is disclosed. The filter media includes a filter sheet with first and second engagement strips having a cord portion and an attachment tab portion connected to the filter sheet. The first and second engagement strips engage with first and second connecting strips located on the annular frame members. Each connecting strip has a receiving portion that receives the cord portion of the associated engagement strip. Each connecting strip also has a body portion configured to engage a drum filter frame. An engagement mechanism configured to attach a filter sheet to a drum filter frame is also disclosed. A system for attaching a filter media to a cylindrical drum filter is also disclosed. When the first and second engagement strips are fully received in the first and second connecting strips, the filter media extends between the first annular frame member and second annular frame member and along the first and second circumferential edges to enclose a first cylindrical filter space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/492,853, filed on Sep. 10, 2019 and published as US2022/0001320 on Jan. 6, 2022, which claims priority from InternationalApplication PCT/US2019/023678, filed Mar. 22, 2019, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present application relates to filter dust collection systems, andparticularly to filter media used in such systems.

BACKGROUND

Filter dust collection systems, and particularly drum filter dustcollection systems are used for energy efficient filtration of largevolumes of air to remove fibrous dust such as wood, polystyrene,insulation material, natural material, etc. from the air and replace itwith clean air. A typical drum filter of the type contemplated in thepresent application is stationary and can be bolted directly to a wallopening. The incoming air flows from the inside to the outside, leavingthe drum through the whole filter surface. Rotating and changing suctionnozzles inside of the drum continuously vacuum any dust and waste fromthe filter media. Little air is required to clean the filter medium asthe suction nozzles are efficient. The nozzles are fluidic optimized andtouch the filter media, which guarantees high and efficient cleaning.

A typical drum filter includes a plurality of annular frame members,each annular frame member having a first circumferential edge and asecond opposed circumferential edge along the circumference of theannular member. The plurality of annular members are coaxially spacedfrom one another by a distance defining a cylindrical peripheral frameand an inner cylindrical filter space that may be internally loaded. Thecylindrical peripheral frame may be enclosed in an outer rectangularsupport frame, and the outer rectangular support frame typicallysupports additional components to effect filtration, such componentsincluding, but not limited to: dust conveying fans to move air throughthe filtration system; a regenerative pre-filter unit for extractingdust from large air volumes prior to entering the inner cylindricalfilter space; a compacting power screw for compacting and dischargingfine dust and material with short fibers without letting thosesubstances contaminate the surrounding area; a fiber compactor for paperand plastic waste; high efficiency cyclone separators for creating arotating airflow (vortex) to separate dust particles; and mistingsystems to saturate the air being cleaned.

Conventional filter media sheets have a length dimension and a widthdimension. The width dimension approximates the distance between theannular frame members and the length dimension approximates thecircumference of the annular frame members. Thus, the filter mediasheets are configured such that each sheet surrounds the space betweentwo coaxially spaced annular frame members to enclose the innercylindrical filter space. It is important that the filter media sheetused on the cylindrical peripheral frame to filter the inner cylindricalfilter space on the above-described filters is fastened very tightlybetween the coaxial rings to ensure no dust is escaping during thefiltration process. Prior to the present invention, this was achieved byattaching the filter media to the annular members using nails,self-drilling screws and tension straps, along with mallets, pliers andwrenches. After attaching the filter medium to the annular member, thetwo ends of the filter media sheet are then connected to a fasteningrail.

A problem with this approach is that the filter media repeatedly slipsduring assembly using the tools. Additionally, the pointed ends of thenails and self-drilling screws pose a risk of injury (e.g. ripping ortearing) to the filters. In conventional systems, once the media wasplaced around the entire circumference of the cylindrical frame via thenails, it is then tightened to the respective annular members by meansof tension straps. All of this typically requires multiple techniciansand substantial time because two people are required to replace thefilter media, and do so with the use of a ladder, because the annularrings can reach 2.5 meters in height. Due to the challenges posed bythis current process, the filter media is not always properly applied tothe annular members, causing some of the dust-filled air to escapebefore being properly cleaned.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

The present application is first directed to a filter media for a drumfilter. The drum filter includes a plurality of annular frame members,each annular frame member having a circumference. The filter mediaincludes a filter sheet having a length dimension and a width dimension.The length dimension has a first end and a second end, and the widthdimension has a first side and a second side. The width dimension of thefilter sheet approximates a distance between annular frame members ofthe drum filter. The length dimension of the filter sheet approximates acircumference of the annular frame members of the drum filter. Incertain embodiments a handle is attached to one of the first end or thesecond end of the filter media sheet. The handle allows a technician tomove the first and second engagement strips through the first and secondconnecting strips, as described herein. The handle may be attached at alocation equidistant between the first side and the second side, or atany other location permitting the technician to move the first andsecond engagement strips through the first and second connecting stripsas described herein.

A first engagement strip extends along the first side of the filtersheet between the first end and the second end. The first engagementstrip has a cord portion and an attachment tab extending from the cordportion. The cord portions may have a circular or non-circular crosssectional shape. The attachment tab is connected to the first side ofthe filter sheet. A second engagement strip extends along the secondside of the filter sheet between the first end and the second end. Likethe first engagement strip, the second engagement strip has a cordportion and an attachment tab extending from the cord portion. Theattachment tab of the second engagement strip is connected to the secondside of the filter sheet. The first and second sides of the filter sheethave a first edge and second edge and the cord portions of the first andsecond engagement strips extend outwardly from the first and secondedges, respectively.

The filter media of the present application also includes a firstconnecting strip that is configured to receive the first engagementstrip, and a second connecting strip that is configured to receive thesecond engagement strip. Each connecting strip has a receiving portionthat receives the cord portion of the associated engagement strip. Eachconnecting strip also has a body portion configured to engage a drumfilter frame, and specifically and annular frame member of the drumfilter frame. The receiving portions of the first and second connectingstrips have an inner surface and an outer surface. The receivingportions of the first and second connecting strips may further comprisea connecting ridge extending upwardly from the inner surface and aterminal end defining receiving space with a cross sectional shapecorresponding to the cross section of the cord portion. In oneembodiment the cross sectional shape of the receiving space is generallyC-shaped. The connecting ridge and the terminal end define a separationspace separating the terminal end from the connecting ridge. Theseparation space receives a portion of the attachment tab adjacent thecord portion. In certain embodiments, the body portion of the first andsecond connecting strips have a downwardly facing lip configured toengage a circumferential edge of an annular frame member the drum filterframe.

Other embodiments of the present application contemplate an engagementmechanism configured to attach a filter sheet to a drum filter frame.The engagement mechanism includes an engagement strip and a connectingstrip. The engagement strip has a length, a cord portion extending alongthe length, and an attachment tab extending from the cord portion. Thecord portion has a cross sectional shape that may be circular ornon-circular. The engagement strip is configured to be connected to thefilter sheet, and the length of the engagement strip approximates alength of a filter sheet that the engagement strip is configured to beattached thereto. The connecting strip has a length that is commensuratewith the length of the engagement strip, an inner surface, and an outersurface. The connecting strip also has a connecting rail with areceiving portion for receiving the cord portion of the engagementstrip, and a body portion. The lower surface of the body portion isconfigured to engage a drum filter frame. The connecting strip mayinclude a connecting ridge extending upwardly from the inner surface anda terminal end defining a receiving space corresponding to the cordportion. The connecting ridge and the terminal end also define aseparation space separating the terminal end from the connecting ridge,and the separation space receives a portion of the attachment tabadjacent the cord portion. In certain embodiments, the body portion ofthe first and second connecting strips have a downwardly facing lipconfigured to engage a circumferential edge of an annular frame memberthe drum filter frame.

The present application also contemplates a system for attaching afilter media to a cylindrical drum filter. The drum filter has aplurality of annular frame members, and each annular frame member has acircumference with a first circumferential edge and a second opposedcircumferential edge. The plurality of annular members are coaxiallyspaced from one another by a distance. The plurality of annular framemembers define a cylindrical periphery and an inner cylindrical filterspace.

The system includes a filter sheet having a length dimension and a widthdimension. The length dimension has a first end and a second end, whilethe width dimension has a first side and a second side. The first sidedefines a first edge and the second side defines a second edge. Thewidth dimension approximates the distance between the annular framemembers, and the length dimension approximates the circumference of theannular frame members. Accordingly, the filter media sheet is configuredto span the distance between two coaxially spaced annular frame membersto enclose the inner cylindrical filter space.

The system includes a first engagement strip extending along the firstside of the filter sheet from the first end to the second end. The firstengagement strip has a cord portion located adjacent the first side ofthe filter sheet that extends outwardly from the first edge. The cordportion has a cross sectional shape that may be circular ornon-circular. The first engagement strip also has an attachment tabextending from the cord portion that is coextensive with the cordportion. The attachment tab is connected to the first side of the filtersheet along the entire length of the first side of the filter sheet.

The system includes a second engagement strip extending along the secondside of the filter sheet from the first end to the second end. Thesecond engagement strip also has a cord portion located adjacent thesecond side of the filter sheet and extending outwardly from the secondedge. Again, the cord portion has cross sectional shape that may becircular or non-circular. The second engagement strip likewise has anattachment tab extending from the cord portion and coextensivetherewith. The attachment tab is connected to the second side of thefilter sheet along the entire length of the second side of the filtersheet.

The system includes a first connecting strip receiving the firstengagement strip, and a second connecting strip receiving the secondengagement strip. The first and second connecting strips each include anouter surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining areceiving portion configured to receive the cord portion and a bodyportion configured to engage an annular frame member. The receivingportion has a connecting ridge extending upwardly from the inner surfaceand a terminal end defining a receiving space with a cross sectionalshape corresponding to the cross section of the cord portion. Inembodiments where the cord portions have a circular cross sectionalshape, the receiving portion has a generally C-shaped receiving space.The connecting ridge and the terminal end define a separation spaceseparating the terminal end from the connecting ridge. The separationspace receives a portion of the attachment tab adjacent the cordportion.

The first connecting strip is configured to be attached along a firstcircumferential edge of a first annular frame member of the plurality offrame members. Similarly, the second connecting strip is configured tobe attached along a second circumferential edge of a second annularframe member of the plurality of frame members. In certain embodiments,the body portion of each connecting strip extends outwardly from theconnecting ridge and terminates in a downwardly facing lip. In theseembodiments both the outer surface of the body portion and thedownwardly facing lip configured to engage a circumferential edge of theannular frame member. When the first and second engagement strips arefully received in the first and second connecting strips, the filtermedia extends between the first annular frame member and second annularframe member and along the first and second circumferential edges toenclose a first cylindrical filter space.

The system of the present application may further include a handleattached to one of the first end or the second end of the filter mediasheet at a location equidistant between the first side and the secondside. The handle allows a technician to move the first and secondengagement strips through the first and second connecting strips suchthat the filter media extends between the first annular frame member andsecond annular frame member and along the first and secondcircumferential edges to enclose the first cylindrical filter space.

The system of the present application may also include a clamping railfor clamping the first end of the filter sheet to the second end of thefilter media sheet when the filter media sheet encloses the firstcylindrical filter space. The clamping rail includes a bottom armhingedly connected to a top arm at a hinge located at a first end of theclamping rail. The top arm includes a locking handle located at a secondend of the clamping rail. The locking arm engages with a lockingmechanism located on the second ends of the top arm and the bottom armand is configured to lock the top rail to the bottom rail. In thismanner, the top rail and the bottom rail are generally parallel to oneanother with the first end and the second end of the filter sheetsecured between the top arm and the bottom arm to seal the firstcylindrical filter space.

The filter media of the present application provides many benefits. Froma technical performance, the filter media of the present applicationmakes contact with the filter frame firmly and securely ensuring thatthe media fits tightly against the filter frame to prevent dust-ladenair from escaping before being properly filtered. The filter media ofthe present application also eliminates the use of the tensioning strapused with conventional filter media. The filter media of the presentapplication lowers the risk of injury for fitters because it no longerrequires the use of nails and self-drilling screws. The filter media ofthe present application eliminates the use of various tools and a ladderthat fitters need to use in with the old model reducing installationtime by about 75%. The filter media of the present application thusreduces the amount of manpower needed to replace the filter, as only oneperson is needed to do the replacement. With a quicker installationtime, the filter media of the present application reduces the amount ofdowntime on the equipment, allowing the system to be back running in aquicker timeframe and increasing productivity. This reduces the overallmaintenance costs of the filter system. Accordingly, the new design ofthe filter system, with the addition of quick-release clamps, provides asimpler, safer, faster way to replace the filter media. The process ofreplacement eliminates the use of tools, ladders and lifts, thuseliminating the need for more than one person to facilitate. The filteris self-sealing without the use of bands which ensures higher efficiencyduring operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee. The present disclosure is described with referenceto the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout theFigures to reference like features and like components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the drum filter system that the filtermedia of the present application is used with.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filter sheet for use with the filtermedia of the present application.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the engagement strip and connectingstrip for use with the filter media of the present application.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the engagement strip and connectingstrip attached along the first circumferential edge of a first annularframe member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the engagement strip and connectingstrip attached along the first circumferential edge of a first annularframe member further demonstrating the filter sheet extending from theengagement strip.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clamping rail of the presentapplication for clamping the first end of the filter sheet to the secondend of the filter media sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferredtherefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms areused for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. The different methods and assemblies described herein may beused alone.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a cylindrical drum filter defining a filtersystem 10 is shown. The cylindrical drum filter 10 includes a pluralityof annular frame members 16 defining a cylindrical periphery 18 and aninner cylindrical filter space 14. The plurality of annular members 16are coaxially spaced from one another by a distance (D). It is notedthat the distance (d) my be the same or may vary between annular members16. The present application is designed to operate with any distance D.The plurality of annular frame members 16 are supported within agenerally rectangular outer frame structure 20. The outer framestructure 20 permits the inner cylindrical filter space 14 to beconnected with several components well known to those of ordinary skillin the art, including suction fans 11, exhaust fans 13, a pre-filterunit 12 for extracting dust from large air volumes prior to entering aninner cylindrical filter space 14 along with misting systems containedin the pre-filter unit 12 to saturate the air being cleaned; acompacting power screw (not shown) for compacting and discharging finedust and material with short fibers without letting those substancescontaminate the surrounding area; a fiber compactor (not shown) forpaper and plastic waste; and high efficiency cyclone separators (notshown) for creating a rotating airflow (vortex) to separate dustparticles.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a filter sheet 30 has a length dimension 34and a width dimension 32. The length dimension 32 has a first end 36 anda second end 38. The width dimension 34 has a first side 40 and a secondside 42. The first side 40 defines a first edge 41 and the second side42 defines a second edge 43. The width dimension 34 approximates thedistance D between the coaxially spaced annular frame members 16. Thelength dimension 32 approximates the circumference of the annular framemembers 16. Accordingly, the filter media sheet 30 is configured to spanthe distance D between two coaxially spaced annular frame 16 members toenclose the inner cylindrical filter space 14 defined by thecircumference of the plurality of annular frame members 16. As shown inFIG. 2, the filter sheet 30 may include a handle 45 attached to and endof the filter media sheet. FIG. 2 shows that the handle 45 is attachedto the first end 36 of the filter media sheet 30 at a locationequidistant between the first side 40 and the second side 42.Alternatively handles 45 may be located on the second end 38 of thefilter media sheet 30, or on both ends 36 and 38. While the centrallocation between sides 40 and 42 is preferred, the handles 45 may belocated at any location along the width 34 of the filter media sheet 30,and multiple handles 45 may be included on any end 36 or 34. The handle45 is configured to allow a technician to move the filter media 30 alongthe circumference of the \ annular frame members 16 to enclose the firstcylindrical filter space 14, as will be further described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5, each of the first side 40 and thesecond side 42 of the filter sheet 30 includes an engagement strip 50extending along the side 40, 42 of the filter sheet 30 from the firstend 36 to the second end 38. Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 5, eachengagement strip 50 has a cord portion 52 located adjacent a side 41, 43of the filter sheet 30. The cord portion 52 extends outwardly from eachedge 41, 43 and has a circular cross section in one embodiment. Itshould be noted however, that the cross sectional shape of the cordportion 52 may take any shape, whether triangular, rectangular, orotherwise non-circular. The engagement strips 50 also include anattachment tab 54 extending coextensively from the cord portion 52. Theattachment tab 54 is connected to a side 40, 42 of the filter sheet 30along the entire length 32 of each side 40, 42 of the filter sheet 30.In certain embodiments the attachment tab 54 may include a downwardlyextending flange 56. In other embodiments, the attachment tab mayinclude one or more ridges 57 on either the top or bottom surface.Accordingly, a filter sheet 30 of the present application will include afirst engagement strip 50 a extending along the length 32 of the firstside 40, and a second engagement strip 50 b extending along the length32 of the second side 42. In this manner, a cord portion 52 is providedoutwardly of each edge 41, 43 along the entire length 32 of each side40, 42 of the filter media sheet 30.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, each engagement strip 50 isconfigured to be received into a respective connecting strip 60. Asshown in FIG. 4, the connecting strips 60 each include an outer surface62 and an inner surface 64. The inner surface 64 defines a receivingportion 68 configured to receive the cord portion 52 and a body portion66 configured to engage an annular frame member 16. The receivingportion 68 has a connecting ridge 70 extending upwardly from the innersurface 64 and a terminal end 72 defining a generally C-shaped receivingspace 69 within the receiving portion 68. While the embodiment showndemonstrates a C-shaped receiving space 69, the receiving space 69 maybe of any shape such that it corresponds with the cross sectional shapeof the cord portion 52. The connecting ridge 70 and the terminal end 72define a separation space 74 separating the terminal end 72 from theconnecting ridge 70. The separation space 74 receives a portion of theattachment tab 54 adjacent the cord portion 52. The body portion 66 ofthe connecting strip 60 extends outwardly from the connecting ridge 70and terminates in a downwardly facing lip 76. The inner surface 64 ofthe body portion 66 may include additional ridges 78. As demonstrated inFIG. 4, the outer surface 62 of the body portion 66 and the downwardlyfacing lip 76 are configured to engage a circumferential edge 22 of anannular frame member 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, each annular frame member 16 has acircumference with a first circumferential edge 22 and a second opposedcircumferential edge 24. The connecting strip 60 is configured to beattached along both the first circumferential edge 22 and the secondcircumferential edge 24 of the annular frame members 16. Each connectingstrip 60 can then receive a respective engagement strip 50. As will berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the annular framemembers 16 located at the ends of the cylindrical drum filter 10 willrequire only one connecting strip 60 on the circumferential edges 22 or24 facing toward the inner cylindrical filter space 14 to receive oneengagement strip 50. The annular frame members 16 spaced coaxially fromthe end members will have a first connecting strip 60 a attached to afirst circumferential edge 22 of a first annular frame member 16 and asecond connecting strip 60 b attached to a second edge 24 of a secondannular frame member 16. When first and second engagement strips 50 a,50 b are fully received in the first and second connecting strips 60 a,60 b, the filter sheet 30 extends the distance D between the two annularframe members 16 and along the first and second circumferential edges22, 24 to enclose a cylindrical filter space 14. The handle 45 may beused to facilitate the threading of the engagement strips 50 through theconnecting strips 60 to move the filter sheet 30 around the entirecircumference of cylindrical filter space 14.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three filter sheets 30 a, 30 b and 30c operate to enclose the cylindrical filter space 14 of the cylindricaldrum filter 10. The first filter sheet 30 a will have a first engagementstrip 50 a along a first side 40 that engages with a connecting strip 60a located on terminal annular frame member 16 a located adjacent to thepre-filter unit 12. Since the annular frame member 16 a is a terminalannular frame member, it receives only one connecting strip 60 along itsinwardly facing circumferential edge 22. The first filter sheet 30 awill also have a second engagement strip 50 b along a second side 42that engages with a connecting strip 60 b located on annular framemember 16 b at the circumferential edge 24 facing toward annular framemember 16 a. In a similar fashion, filter sheet 30 b will have a firstengagement strip 50 a along a first side 40 that engages with aconnecting strip 60 a located on annular frame member 16 b at thecircumferential edge 22 facing toward annular frame member 16 c. Thesecond filter sheet 30 b will also have a second engagement strip 50 balong a second side 42 that engages with a connecting strip 60 b locatedon annular frame member 16 c at the circumferential edge 24 facingtoward annular frame member 16 b. Filter sheet 30 c will also have afirst engagement strip 50 a along a first side 40 that engages with aconnecting strip 60 a located on annular frame member 16 c at thecircumferential edge 22 facing toward terminal annular frame member 16d. The second filter sheet 30 b will also have a second engagement strip50 b along a second side 42 that engages with a connecting strip 60 blocated on terminal annular frame member 16 d at the circumferentialedge 24 facing toward annular frame member 16 c. Since the annular framemember 16 d is a terminal annular frame member, it receives only oneconnecting strip 60 along its inwardly facing circumferential edge 24.In this manner the entire cylindrical filter space 14 defined by theseries of coaxially spaced annular rings 16 a-16 d is enclosed by filtermedia. It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art thatadditional annular frame members may be added to the design to expandthe size of the cylindrical filter space 14. Likewise, one or moreannular frame members may be removed to reduce the size of thecylindrical filter space 14. The present application is designed tooperate with any number of annular frame members 16 such that the filtermedia of the present application operates with may different sized drumfilters 10.

Referring now to FIG. 6, located between each annular member 16 is aclamping rail 80 for clamping the first end 36 of the filter sheet 30 tothe second end 38 of the filter sheet 30 when the filter media sheet 30encloses a cylindrical filter space 14, as described above. The clampingrail 80 includes a bottom arm 82 hingedly connected to a top arm 84 at ahinge 86 located at a first end of the clamping rail 80. The hingedconnection may be secured, either removably or non-removably, to oneannular member 16. The length of the clamping rail 80, including thelength of arms 82, and 84 spans the distance D between two coaxiallyspaced annular members 16. The top arm 84 includes a locking handle 88located at a second end of the clamping rail 80, the locking handle 88engaging with a locking mechanism 90 located on the second ends of bothof the top arm 84 and the bottom arm 82. The interaction between thelocking handle 88 and the locking mechanism 90 operates to lock the toprail 84 to the bottom rail 82 such that the top rail 84 and the bottomrail 82 are generally parallel to one another. In operation, once a theengagement strips 50 are fully received in the connecting strips 60 suchthat the filter sheet 30 extends the distance D between two annularframe members 16 and along the first and second circumferential edges22, 24 to enclose a cylindrical filter space 14, the first end 36 andthe second end 38 of the filter sheet 30 overlap one another and aresecured between the top arm 84 and the bottom arm 82 of the clampingrail 80 to seal the first cylindrical filter space 14.

In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beinferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. The different systems and method steps described herein maybe used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. It is tobe expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications arepossible within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An engagement mechanism configured to attach afilter sheet to a drum filter frame, the engagement mechanismcomprising: an engagement strip, the engagement strip having a length, acord portion extending along the length and having a cross sectionalshape, and an attachment tab extending from the cord portion, theengagement strip configured to be connected to the filter sheet, whereinthe length of the engagement strip approximates a length of a filtersheet that the engagement strip is configured to be attached thereto;and a connecting strip, the connecting strip having a lengthcommensurate with the length of the engagement strip, an inner surface,an outer surface, a connecting rail having a receiving portion forreceiving the cord portion of the engagement strip, and a body portion,the lower surface of the body portion configured to engage a drum filterframe.
 2. The engagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cord portionhas a circular cross sectional shape.
 3. The engagement mechanism ofclaim 1, wherein the cord portion has a non-circular cross sectionalshape.
 4. The engagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the receivingportion of the connecting strip comprises a connecting ridge extendingupwardly from the inner surface and a terminal end defining a receivingspace corresponding to the cord portion.
 5. The engagement mechanism ofclaim 4, wherein the connecting ridge and the terminal end define aseparation space separating the terminal end from the connecting ridge,the separation space receiving a portion of the attachment tab adjacentthe cord portion.
 6. The engagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein thebody portion of the connecting strip has a downwardly facing lipconfigured to engage a circumferential edge of an annular frame memberthe drum filter frame.
 7. The engagement mechanism of claim 6, whereinthe body portion of the connecting strip includes at least one upwardlyextending ridge positioned between the downwardly facing lip and thereceiving portion.
 8. The engagement mechanism of claim 7, wherein theat least one upwardly extending ridge comprises three upwardly extendingridges.
 9. The engagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the attachmenttab includes at least one ridge positioned on at least one of a topsurface of the attachment tab and a bottom surface of the attachmenttab.
 10. The engagement mechanism of claim 9, wherein the at least oneridge includes a first ridge positioned on the top surface of theattachment tab and a second ridge positioned on the bottom. surface ofthe attachment tab.
 11. The engagement mechanism of claim 10, whereinthe first ridge is in vertical alignment with the second ridge.
 12. Theengagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the attachment tab includes adownwardly extending flange that extends along the length of theengagement strip.
 13. The engagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein thecord portion has a circular cross sectional shape and the receivingportion has a generally C-shaped receiving space with a cross sectioncorresponding to the cross sectional shape of the cord portion.
 14. Theengagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the engagement strip is a firstengagement strip and the connecting strip is a first connecting strip,and wherein the engagement mechanism further comprises a secondengagement and a second connecting strip; and wherein the firstengagement strip is configured to be connected to a first side of thefilter sheet and the second engagement strip is configured to beconnected to a second side of the filter sheet opposite the first side.15. A filter sheet of filter media for a drum filter with a drum filterframe, the filter sheet comprising: a sheet body having a lengthdimension and a width dimension, the length dimension having a first endand a second end, the width dimension having a first side and a secondside a first engagement strip extending along the first side of thefilter sheet between the first end and the second end, the firstengagement strip having a cord portion and an attachment tab extendingfrom the cord portion, the attachment tab connected to the first side ofthe filter sheet; and a second engagement strip extending along thesecond side of the filter sheet between the first end and the secondend, the second engagement strip having a cord portion and an attachmenttab extending from the cord portion, the attachment tab connected to thesecond side of the filter sheet; wherein the cord portion of the firstengagement strip is configured to be received in a receiving portion ofa first connecting strip secured to the drum filter frame and the cordportion of the second engagement strip is configured to be received in areceiving portion of a second connecting strip secured to the drumfilter frame.
 16. The filter sheet of claim 15, wherein the first andsecond sides of the sheet body have a first edge and second edge and thecord portions of the first and second engagement strips extendsoutwardly from the first and second edges, respectively.
 17. The filtersheet of claim 15, wherein the cord portions have a circular crosssectional shape.
 18. The filter sheet of claim 15, wherein theattachment tab of the first engagement strip and the attachment tab ofthe second engagement strip each include a downwardly extending flangethat extends along the length of the engagement strip.
 19. The filtersheet of claim 15, wherein the attachment tab of the first engagementstrip and the attachment tab of the second engagement strip each includeat least one ridge positioned on at least one of a top surface of theattachment tabs and a bottom surface of the attachment tabs.
 20. Thefilter sheet of claim 15, further comprising a handle attached to one ofthe first end or the second end of the filter media sheet, the handleconfigured to allow a technician to move the first and second engagementstrips through the first and second connecting strips.